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Book launched

'Highway to Heaven - A History of Perisher and the Ski Resorts Along the Kosciuszko Road'

Perisher Historical Society is delighted to have published this history of the area.

Beautifully written by Peter Southwell-Keely, this handsome volume of 260 pages and over 400 images, is a must have for all snowsports lovers who have enjoyed the area. (see cover on right)

Flip through the many images and then read the detail of the fascinating sequence of development, the history of the disciplines, ski patrol, the lodges. the characters, the State Government funding of the Hotel Kosciusko that kick-started a huge tourist industry for the region and much, much more.

Mission Accomplished

By the end of 2012, it was evident that the long awaited book on the history of the resorts accessed by the Kosciusko Road was nearing completion and that the publication process was in full swing: the draft was being finalised and the last of the images being chased up. A tight schedule for design, production and printing for Highway to Heaven – A History of Perisher and the Ski Resorts Along the Kosciuszko Road by Peter Southwell-Keely culminated in the official launch at the PHS Sixth Annual Dinner at Marritz Alpine in Perisher on Sunday 9 June 2013…and what a launch it was!

One-hundred and eleven guests attended the dinner, many drawn to the occasion by the book launch. Newly-arrived ‘Marritz Alpine’ managers, Simone Beilicz and Luke Downey, and their staff rose to the challenge of catering to this sell-out function with exceptional food and service.

The book was launched by the local Member for Monaro and Perisher skier, John Barilaro MP. Both he and the Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Hon. Robyn Parker MP recognised the indelible contribution snowsports have made, and continue to make, to the Perisher area.

Soon Peter was at the end of a long line of eager purchasers who wanted signed copies. Peter also gave a presentation with pictures of the developing resort areas and some of their well-known personalities.

Highway to Heaven is a 260-page book with over 400 photographs.

As well as chapters about each of the resort areas linked by the Kosciuszko Road, it includes chapters on Australia’s first ski troops, ski patrols, ski jumping, NSW Snowsports, cross-country skiing, snowfield personalities and the author’s look into the future.

Extensively indexed and referenced, Highway to Heaven is the first publicly available history of this large, popular and significant part of Kosciuszko National Park. The book will not only satisfy snowsports enthusiasts and those affiliated with the resorts along the Kosciuszko Road, but also history buffs and those who have an interest in the Snowy Mountains region and the Australian Alps in general.

The PHS Committee and Members would like to thank Peter Southwell-Keely for his commitment and enthusiasm. His offer to write the book, which he did pro bono, came hard on the heels of the publication of his history of his own club, Kosciusko Alpine Club (Out on the Tops – The Centenary of the Kosciusko Alpine Club). We also benefited from Peter’s experience with Out on the Tops by using the same team and publication process that made his first book such a success. This relationship has undoubtedly provided us with a first-class and attractive product.

While Peter has acknowledged the many people who have been involved with the book, we would like to offer special thanks to Philip and Pam Woodman (a bit of everything), Judy Thomson (editing and proofing), Di Dennison (editing and proofing) and Victoria Jefferys (production).

Financial support for the book was kindly provided by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Perisher Blue P/L and the PHS Committee would particularly like to thank Andrew Harrigan (NPWS) and Peter Brulisauer (Perisher) from these organisations. And last, but not least, many thanks to Peter’s wife Didi, who having just got Peter back from his KAC publication, had to share him for another journey.